We spent a day at Are We Going to Scarborough Fair Museum last summer and honestly… we had so much fun!

If you’ve got young kids and you’re looking for something a bit different, nostalgic, and surprisingly hands-on, this place is a real gem.

From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by the sound of waltz music drifting through the building. The kind that instantly makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The boys were wide-eyed straight away, and so were we if we’re being honest.

Old-School Fun (The Kids Loved This Bit)

One of the biggest highlights for our kids was the vintage fairground rides. Many of them are the original rides, still running today, and at just £1 per ride it feels like proper old-school fun.

There’s a ghost ride that runs every hour, the beautiful Tidman Golden Galloping Horses where you can twirl and soak up the nostalgia, plus so much more. The horses were first built back in 1893, which makes it even more special knowing how much history they’ve seen.

You’ll also find a rare caterpillar ride, ghost train, mini Austin car ride, The Cake Walk, Dodgems, and the brilliantly chaotic Noah’s Ark.

There are also old 1p arcade games, the kind you rarely see now. Watching the kids figure them out (and us feeling very nostalgic) was half the fun. Simple, charming entertainment that doesn’t rely on screens or flashing lights; a real win!

So Much to Look At

What really surprised us was just how vast the collection is. There’s so much to see that you naturally slow down and take your time wandering around.

You’ll find:

• Stunning mechanical organs dating back to the 1800s
• Huge, impressive Showman’s Steam Engines
• A wide collection of vintage cars, tractors, motorbikes and classic vehicles
• Old fairground rides and displays that spark loads of questions from curious kids

Even when the boys weren’t on a ride, they were fascinated by everything around them. There’s plenty to keep little ones engaged while adults quietly geek out over the history and craftsmanship.

There is also a Cafe on site which is perfect for taking a break. You can enjoy light refreshments, cakes or even an afternoon tea, and sit in the ballroom while the vintage dance organs play in the background. It really adds to the atmosphere and feels like part of the experience.

Just worth noting that outside food and drink is not allowed, and anything bought inside the venue must stay there.

Ticket Prices

Here’s a quick breakdown of admission costs:

• Adults – £9.80
• Over 65s – £8.80
• Children (6–16) – £6.80
• Carers (1:1 ratio) – FREE with proof (DWP, PIP, Attendance Allowance)
• Family Ticket (2 adults + up to 2 children) – £28.00

Considering how long we spent there and how much the kids got out of it, we thought it was great value.

Would We Go Again?

Absolutely. It’s one of those places that works brilliantly for young children, but is also genuinely enjoyable for adults. Nostalgic, interactive, and refreshingly different from your typical day out.

If you’re anywhere near Scarborough or visiting the area, we’d definitely recommend adding this to your list.

You can find up to date opening times, ticket prices and everything you need to plan your visit over on their website here:
https://www.scarboroughfaircollection.com/plan-a-visit/